Robert William 'Bill' Nelson

Robert William "Bill" Nelson, age 66, born in Havre, Mont. on Feb. 8, 1947, passed in his home in Everett, Wash. on Jan. 8, 2014, in the peaceful presence of his two children, Joseph Nelson and Jill (Nelson) Etienne, and their mother, Sherry Connick.

His professions included professor of industrial arts, proprietor of Nelson's Music & Sound and electronics technician for BNSF Railway Co. and Boeing Co., from which he retired in November 2009. He piloted his Cherokee Warrior II and as a lifelong musician, sang and played guitar in numerous bands such as The Squires, The Awakening Fun Band, Home Brew and most recently infused his love of 1930's Ragtime Blues guitar into his show, "Railroad Bill's Memoirs and Other Tall Tales".

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lillian Nelson, and his brother, Roy Nelson. He is survived by his two children and their families, and his three sisters, Anna Mae Maxwell, Carol Armer and Donna Williams.

Friends and family are invited to join us in celebration of Bill Nelson, devoted father, gifted musician and purveyor of all things sensible, in Mill Creek, Wash. at Elliott Bay Pizza & Pub, 800 164th St. S.E., 98012 on Feb. 8, 2014, at 1 p.m.. In the future the family will catch the train back to his hometown of Havre and celebrate him again.